Bournemouth's David Brooks never considered changing Wales allegiance

David Brooks says he never considered changing his mind like the Republic of Ireland’s Declan Rice after pledging his international allegiance to Wales.

Rice was omitted from the Republic squad for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales in Cardiff with manager Martin O’Neill revealing the West Ham defender is still deliberating over switching loyalties to England.

London-born Rice has three senior caps for the Republic but they all came in friendly matches, meaning the 19-year-old could yet decide to represent England instead.

Warrington-born Brooks, like Rice, has appeared in three international friendlies, but the Bournemouth forward is set to end any doubts over his future by representing Wales in a competitive fixture against the Republic, who the Welsh face in Cardiff on Thursday.

“There is a decision to be made by younger players like Declan Rice and myself,” said 21-year-old Brooks.

Clubs

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been ruled out of France’s clash with Germany through injury.

Lloris missed his side’s 2-1 defeat at Watford on Sunday with a thigh problem and will also be unavailable for France’s Nations League opener on Thursday.

France boss Didier Deschamps called up Montpellier goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte to replace Lloris after the 31-year-old was examined by Dr Franck Le Gall at France’s National Football Centre at Clairefontaine on Monday morning.

Lloris apologised “wholeheartedly” last month after being charged with drink driving.

The World Cup winner was charged following a routine patrol stop in the early hours of Friday, August 24 and was bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 11.